Chelsea - Everton Betting Preview: Blues to cruise to victory at home

By Hugh Wilson

The Premier League returns this weekend with the Blues welcoming the Toffees to Stamford Bridge and our tipster is backing a one-sided affair

After being knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City last weekend, attention turns back to the league for Chelsea who have the chance to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League. Everton are the visitors on Saturday, with Roberto Martinez's side having cruised into the next round of the cup.

The Toffees disposed of Swansea last week, but have struggled for form in the league away from Goodison Park, losing their last two matches to Liverpool and Tottenham. Martinez's men sit in sixth position of the league, eight points behind Liverpool in fourth. bet365 price them at 5/1 (6.00) to cause a shock.

Chelsea have been on fire at home this season, staying unbeaten in their last 14 games, winning 12 of those matches. Last time out at Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho's men comfortably saw off Newcastle United 3-0.

The Blues have a poor record away against Everton, but have not lost to the Toffees at home in the league since 1994. bet365 price them at 4/7 (1.57) to take all three points. The same firm price the draw at 14/5 (3.80).

With Everton going four away games without a win, it's tough to see them stopping this run with Chelsea in inspired form, however, the 4/7 (1.57) price is a tad skinny. Instead, it's worth looking at Chelsea winning to nil at 8/5 (2.60) with bet365.

Everton have failed to score away in their last two away games and come into this game without their star striker, who is on loan from Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku. With Chelsea not conceding a goal in their last three home games, it's certainly worth backing this bet.